Roomate and I are working on finishing the basement and one thing that we are exploring is the possibility of adding a universal gym. I've looked online for different reviews but it's a bit of a crapshoot.. One site recommends a machine, while another will not.... So... what have some your experiences been? Any recommendations...and why?

Thanks

 

Don't do it...

Go get a gym membership somewhere, and use the space for something else.

You will get a much better workout at a full service gym then you will at home.

 

So what you're looking for is a private room, in the basement of your house, that you will use to get hot and sweaty with your roommate?

:spotme:

 

I have what I consider a nice home gym packed into a small space in my basement. I really love having access to it ANYTIME without the need to go to the gym, but I am married and am not allowed to flirt with the gym hotties anymore.

I originally wanted a bowflex, but went to the local dealer and was shown home gyms by Hoist. Extremely high quality. If money is no object go with a V5 for about $1800. I bought a step down from that called the V3 and bought the leg press attachment. I love it. The movement and quality of all the exercises is Cybex gym quality. Find a dealer and try one, you wont be disappointed.

The only complaint I had was I did not feel that I could work my chest enough becuase of the free range of motion on the press exhausts supporting muscles before you wear out pecs.

So I bought a PowerTec plate loaded chest press machine. It does bench, incline,decline, and shoulder press just like the plate loaded machines at the gym. Throw a few hundred pounds on it, work yourself to death and you don't have to worry about a spotter or getting hurt.

Between the two, plus some dumbells and curl bar, I have everything I used at the gym at home with near equal quality, plus I have steroe and cable TV right in front of me so I can watch MN WIld hockey and workout.

here is the Powertec

http://www.gymcor.com/lechpr.html

I have no regrets, even though I spent about $2600 for everything, I use it. And at $800 for my annual gym membership, it pays for itself in about three years. Have fun with the project.

 

Look into a Body Solid smith machine and maybe powerblock weights with the bench.

 

gym membership...i always workout harder at the gym...plus its at the top of my neighborhood

 

don't get a machine. buy a power rack w/ pull-up bar, an adjustable bench, an olympic barbell w/ 300 or 400lbs olympic plates, and an adjustable dumbell set with weight up 100lbs. Craigslist is your friend. You won't need anything else. Smith machines are a joke.

 

I agree with this guy, except that the Smith machine is good if you're just starting out and don't know your limits.

I think all you really need is an olympic bar/bench/plates and some dumbells. After that I'd consider a cable crossover machine and a squat rack.

 

I chose a machine because injury is more of a factor with free weights. Doing bench presses at home alot I worked my way up to some pretty heavy set on the bench press but also stressed out my hand. Snapped a bone in my hand on a rep with about 230, and trust me, if you snap a bone, or damage a ligament, the bar comes back down pretty fast regardless of your pain threshold.. Almost decapitated myself.

Thats why I like the fixed stuff better. It does not give the same tone to the supporting muscles like freeweights do, but you won't hurt yourself. And if you want to tone the smaller muscles, dumbell flys after the machine press.

I like a smith machine, but I chose the Powertec Plate loaded machine I linked because smith machines are huge. If your space is not limited, go fo it.

My Hoist does all the cable stuff, but only one side at a time. And the leg press does a pretty good squat imitation and you can do calf extensions too.

For the OP, i think the response of home gym vs pay gym depends on a lot of factors. How far is it to go to the gym. Cost of membership. Are you single and looking to meet people or married and trying to stay in shape, etc.

I had so many people tell me I would not use my home equipment, but I have used it steadily for two years now. But I am old and married. I do miss raquetball though.